Watson ready to shoulder extra bowling workload

Australian cricketer Shane Watson celebrates the wicket of West Indies batsman Darren Bravo on the second day of the First Test. Photo: AFP

Shane Watson says he is ready to carry a greater workload with the ball should Australia pick two spinners for the second Test starting on Sunday.

The all-rounder bowled 27 overs during the first Test but can expect to bowl more should he have to play as a third seamer if Australia select Nathan Lyon and Michael Beer to capitalise on a pitch tipped to offer plenty of help to the slow bowlers.

Watson, who missed the entire home Test summer due to injury, has gradually increased his bowling workload since making his comeback in late February.

"If there are two spinners it's going to mean my workload will increase a little bit," Watson said.

"There's no doubt from the one-day series leading up to the Test series my preparation physically for bowling has been great to be able to make sure my workloads have gradually increased."

With Ryan Harris still recuperating from a long innings with the bat, Watson was handed the new ball in the second innings of the first Test but does not think that will become a regular occurrence.

"That was a nice surprise to be able to take the new ball," Watson said.

"I'm sure if our top order does the work hopefully Ryan won't have to bat for as long as he did anyway because there's no doubt he's a brilliant new-ball bowler.

"Those opportunities won't come along unless Ryan or one of the lower-order batsmen gets a few runs like that."

Although initially reluctant to sacrifice his place as an opener to move to No.3, Watson said he enjoyed the extra time he had after fielding to prepare to bat.

"It's just the physical and mental break that it did give me to bat three, [it] was something I didn't know how it would sit with me, but it was absolutely brilliant," Watson said.